Book description
How would first contact--on earth, in space, on another planet--transform our understandings of technology, philosophy, and what it means to be human? What kind of cognitive dissonance would society experience, if we discovered a previously unrecognized sentience on Earth? What would life be like if it originated in a frigid ocean beneath an impenetrable shell of ice? Or on a world whose haze obscures any view of the universe beyond? Or on an unfathomable scale in the depths of space? Or . . .Life--beyond us.Dive in as the European Astrobiology Institute presents fifty-four original SF Stories and Science Essays on life, from microbial to macro, from automatic to sagacious. Each speculative story is followed by a professional essay illuminating the scientific underpinnings of the story and providing a new window into the cutting-edge knowledge about exploration for life in the universe.SF STORIES BY: Eugen Bacon, Gregory Benford, Renan Bernardo, Jana Bianchi, Tobias S. Buckell, Eric Choi, Julie E. Czerneda, Tessa Fisher, Simone Heller, Valentin D. Ivanov, Mary Robinette Kowal, Lisa Jenny Krieg (translated by Simone Heller), Geoffrey A. Landis, Rich Larson, Liu Yang (translated by Ladon Gao), Lucie Lukačovičová, Premee Mohamed, G. David Nordley, Malka Older, Deji Bryce Olukotun, Tomás Petrásek, Brian Rappatta, Arula Ratnakar, D.A. Xiaolin Spires, Bogi Takács, Peter Watts, and B. Zelkovich.SCIENCE ESSAYS BY: Jacques Arnould, William Bains, José A. Caballero, Dimitra Demertzi, Martina Dimoska, Tessa Fisher, Dennis Höning, Valentin D. Ivanov, Fabian Klenner, Nina Kopacz, Geoffrey A. Landis, Natuschka Lee, Ania Losiak, Stephen Francis Mann, Connor Martini, Tony Milligan, Philippe Nauny, Julie Nováková, Erik Persson, Tomás Petrásek, Joanna Piotrowska, Giovanni Poggiali, Amedeo Romagnolo, Stefano Sandrelli, Floris van der Tak, Jan Toman, Sheri Wells-Jensen, and Raymond M. WheelerINTRODUCTION BY: Stephen BaxterFOREWORD BY: Julie NovákováAFTERWORDS BY: Wolf D. Geppert; Lucas K. Law & Susan ForestEDITED BY: Julie Nováková, Lucas K. Law & Susan ForestPrevious anthologies by Laksa Media (Strangers Among Us, The Sum of Us, Where the Stars Rise, Shades Within Us, Seasons Between Us) have been recommended by Publishers Weekly, Booklist (American Library Association), Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Locus, Foreword Reviews, and Quill & Quire.
Uluru Walker
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Intimidation Station
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Mother Night
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
LifeRobber
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Crash Test
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Daisy Stick
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
Little General
WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Canary Apple Red
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem.
Mad Rascal
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
SereneScribe
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
ThoughtTrail
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Easy Street
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Alley Fiend
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Pink Stream
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Fire Queen
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel.
Night Magnet
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Baby Brown
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Gumby Train
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
QuestQuill
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
ShadowFax
I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience